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Taxpertise

Tax season is almost here — are you ready?

The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting electronically filed income tax returns on January 23, 2017. But more than likely, you will not receive all of your tax filing documents by that day. Employers and providers of all third party documents such as W2s, 1098s,... Continue

The IRS dirty dozen list of tax scams

Dear Bonnie, This morning I got a phone call from an IRS agent saying I needed to immediately pay my taxes or they would call the police and have me arrested. He wanted me to get a prepaid debit card to pay with. I didn’t... Continue

Cash in on the Earned Income Tax Credit

Dear Bonnie, How does the Earned Income Tax credit work? Is it true that California now has one for low income people as well? Tess, Santa Rosa Dear Tess, The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a method for low income taxpayers to get back... Continue

Countdown to tax season

Dear Bonnie, I have made a New Year’s resolution to really buckle down on taking care of my finances. I hate the whole idea, especially when it comes to taxes. Taxes are boring but I need to do something to make sure I get all... Continue

Deducting losses from a federally declared disaster

I may have lost my second home in the forest of Middletown to the Valley Fire -- as of this writing, I don’t know. The roads are closed and we cannot get back there to check. I know that many of my friends from that... Continue

Weed, taxes and Tommy Chong

Tommy Chong of Cheech and Chong fame, has recently added entrepreneur to his list of achievements. But the businessman is staying in character with the Tommy Chong we have all grown to know and love -- it’s all about weed. His new business venture in... Continue

Taxes are filed – now what?

If you filed your tax return by April 15, you can exhale, kick back and wait for your refund – if you’re getting one. Here are some answers to many post tax season questions that most taxpayer have. When will I get my refund? The... Continue

Obamacare, Form 1095-A, and the premium tax credit

Dear Bonnie, I received a form in the mail called a 1095-A Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. I guess this is for my taxes but what am I supposed to do with it? Stu, Sonoma       Dear Stu,   You will need this form... Continue

Five tax tips to start the New Year

Happy 2015! If you have already made those ever-challenging New Year’s resolutions, you may want to add a few more. Sometimes resolutions can be hard to keep. But when money is at stake, I bet the odds of compliance increase. Here are some New Year’s... Continue

The tax consequences of losing your job

 Dear Bonnie, I lost my job and am now on unemployment. Do I have to pay taxes on that? I understand that there are all kinds of other tax issues that can come up. What do I have to be on the lookout for? Vince,... Continue